Congregation Tikkun v’Or

Life Cycle Events

Just as the year is punctuated with designated holidays, Jewish life contains special religious events and rituals to mark the experiences of our lifetimes. From birth to death, Judaism is filled with special occasions that bring the family and community together.

Congregation Tikkun v’Or can help you and your family find meaningful rituals for any life event, including adding children to your family, celebrating life changes, committing to a partner, and honoring and remembering those who have died.

Mazel tov on your special event!

Congregation Tikkun V’Or is thrilled to help you welcome and name your child, according to Jewish traditions, or creating your own traditions. We have information available to you about brit milah (circumcision) as well as alternative ceremonies to welcome all children.

If your family is an interfaith family, we celebrate you. As a congregation affiliated with the Union for Reform Judaism, our community recognizes both matrilineal and patrilineal descent. Any children who have one Jewish parent and are being raised as Jews are considered Jewish, without the need for conversion of the child (even if the mother is not Jewish). If there are special circumstances you are considering (i.e. adoption or the desire/need for a conversion ceremony for you or a child), please discuss your questions with us. We can help you plan and schedule a ceremony, which can be included in an already scheduled service or in a private ceremony (at home or other locations, or as part of a rental of the temple facility). We can also help you create a traditional or contemporary wedding or commitment ceremony and can help you find an appropriate officiant. Contact info@tikkunvor.org.

Our B-Mitzvah Program is led by Michael Margolin. For more information about our B-Mitzvah Program, please see the B-Mitzvah Program page.

The CARING CIRCLE offers support for fellow synagogue members who are ill, bereaved, or in need of extra assistance or encouragement during life-changing events or other life challenges.  The committee can provide meals, transportation or help in meeting other short-term needs (running errands, hospital visits). The work of the Caring Circle is held in confidence to the extent possible to enable volunteers to respond to each persons needs.

If you or someone you know could use a hand, please let us know! To request help, email us at caring-circle@tikkunvor.org. To learn more about volunteering with this group, see the Caring Circle page.

The Bereavement Support Group was formed to assist congregants when they are anticipating the death of a loved one or after a death has occurred. Members of the BSG can listen, talk through options for cemeteries and funeral homes, explain both traditional rituals and adaptations, assist in arranging for rituals, and more. For more information, contact us at  bereavementsupport@tikkunvor.org.

Decisions to Make in Anticipation of the Death of a Loved One or After a Loved One Dies

When a death can be anticipated, it is best to think through and communicate decisions in advance. Otherwise, decisions such as those listed here will need to be made almost immediately following a death:

  • Selecting a funeral home and cemetery or other place of burial (purchase of plot)
  • Deciding whether to bury or cremate the body of the deceased
  • Choosing the type of service (funeral, graveside, memorial, or no service), a service leader, and when it will be held
  • Deciding if tahara (ritual washing) or other ritual be performed to prepare the body for burial
  • Deciding if shmira (accompanying or sitting with the deceased before burial) be observed during the period between death and the funeral (Hebrew word for this period: aninut)
  • Determining visiting hours: dates, times, and location when family will receive visitors (‘sit shiva’)
  • Deciding if shiva services be held (in person or virtual), and who will conduct them
  • Writing an Obituary: In addition to telling the story of the deceased, the obituary should – as appropriate and relevant – tell the time and place of the service and burial, of gatherings following the service or at other times, and of shiva services
  • Informing people about the death (extended family, friends, and colleagues); deciding how will they be informed and by whom

The Bereavement Support Group has put together several guides that honor the spirit and traditions of Judaism while also suggesting ways of adapting traditional practices for modern times and for our multicultural community.